Lead Casting Mold F71 – Fish Head Jigs (16/18/20/25 g)

Product detailed description

The Your Mold F71 lead casting mold produces fish head jigs in 16, 18, 20 and 25 g. It is a practical choice for making jig heads for paddle tails and soft jerkbaits when you need to fine-tune weight within a fairly narrow range. Use it for zander and larger perch in freshwater, or for light saltwater lure fishing for cod and pollack where the weight is sufficient for the depth and current.

A distinctive feature of the F71 is the elongated lead collar behind the fish-shaped head, formed as part of the casting. The front of the soft bait slides over this collar. Choose a body by its thickness and elasticity as well as its length: it needs to accommodate the collar without splitting and sit straight behind the head. A very slim soft jerkbait or small nymph may be unsuitable even when its length appears to match the hook.

Start with VMC 5150 hooks in sizes 3/0 and 4/0. The related products begin with the red RD version, followed by the black nickel BN version; select the appropriate size on each product page. Match hook size to the body so that the point exits ahead of the active tail section and there is enough clearance above the bait for a clean hook-up. Before pouring, seat the chosen hook in its groove and check that the mold closes fully. The available specifications do not assign individual hook sizes to particular cavities. The same nominal size in another hook series does not guarantee the same dimensions.

The steps from 16 to 18 to 20 g let you adjust weight in two-gram increments. This helps when a lighter head loses contact with the bottom but a much heavier one would shorten the fall more than you want. 25 g provides the next step for stronger current, deeper water or a body that creates more drag. Braid diameter, drift speed and retrieve style also affect the weight required, so there is no reliable fixed depth rating for each head.

The fish profile forms a distinct front section which, paired with a suitable soft bait, continues the silhouette of a small baitfish. A paddle tail generates much of its movement through the tail, while a soft jerkbait relies more on rod work and changes of speed. Test the assembled lure beside the bank or boat before fishing. A crooked body should not make it twist, and neither the collar nor the hook shank should unnecessarily restrict the moving section of the bait.

You can finish the heads with powder paint or a rubber coating for fishing leads. A pale base and a bright colour provide options for contrast, while a darker finish emphasises the silhouette. Follow the heating, application and curing instructions for the particular coating system. Keep the hook eye clear and avoid building up excess coating on the collar, where it would make fitting the soft bait more difficult.

What to add: begin with VMC 5150 hooks in size 3/0 or 4/0 and a suitable soft bait. The related products include the MIKATECH Real Shad 10 cm for freshwater lure fishing and the Atoka Scaler 10 cm for light saltwater use; check how the front of each body fits the collar on a finished head. Next come sprue cutters, a melting pot and ladle according to your pouring method, talc and coating equipment. Choose the Amigo primarily for fine powder paints; if using a rubber coating, follow its airflow requirements. These accessories are selected separately.

Frequently asked questions about the F71 mold

When should I choose the F71 rather than the F46?

The F71 offers 16, 18, 20 and 25 g with an integral lead collar for fitting the soft bait. Choose it for small weight adjustments within this range. The F46 mold starts at 10 g and continues through 14 and 19 to 26 g. Also compare how each design holds the bait and accommodates your chosen hook.

Will both 3/0 and 4/0 hooks fit every cavity?

The compatible VMC 5150 sizes are specified for the mold as a whole. A cavity-by-cavity size guide is not available in the verified specifications. Test each chosen hook in the dry mold: it must sit correctly and allow the halves to close fully.

Do I need a BH19 wire bait keeper for this mold?

The illustrated design uses an integral lead collar over which the soft bait is fitted, without a separate wire keeper. Compatibility between the F71 and BH19 has not been verified. Do not insert a keeper simply because a similar mold uses one.

Do I have to glue the soft bait to the collar?

First fit the bait straight and check how securely it holds. If it slides, a small amount of adhesive compatible with both the bait material and the finished head surface may help. An adhesive designed to join two pieces of plastisol is not necessarily suitable for bonding a soft bait to metal.

Is 25 g enough for saltwater fishing in Norway?

This weight range can work in shallow water and mild conditions. It is not a general solution for deep water or a strong drift. If you lose control of the lure, move to a heavier head; the F41 for 30 and 40 g is one of the nearby alternatives.

What diameter of stick-on eyes should I choose?

An exact eye diameter is not stated in the available F71 specifications. Measure the eye recess on a sample casting, ideally after applying the finish. Choose the eyes by the space available rather than by jig-head weight alone.

→ For all detailed technical information, see the Parameters section below.

↓ Below the product description you will also find related and similar products, making it easier to choose and build your complete setup.